Apply for a firearms license

A firearms license is required to possess or carry firearms in Massachusetts.
Currently approving and printing licenses that were submitted for review by police departments between March 15 and March 28.

Firearms Records Bureau

The Details   of Apply for a firearms license

What you need   for Apply for a firearms license

 To apply for a Resident Firearms License:

  • You must apply for a resident firearms license to carry or firearms identification card through the police department in the town where you reside.
  • You will need to submit:
  • You may need to submit:
    • Proof of residence
  • Contact your local firearms licensing officer for specific information on the application process.

To apply for a Non-Resident License to Carry Firearms or a Resident Alien Permit:

Fees   for Apply for a firearms license

Name Fee Unit
License to Carry Firearms $100 each
License to Carry Firearms - retired law enforcement officers $25 each
Firearms Identification Card $100 each
Firearms Identification Card - applicants under 18 years old $25 each
Non-Resident Firearms License $100 each
Resident Alien Permit $100 each

How to apply   Apply for a firearms license

 

For Resident Firearms License applications:

Your completed application package, including the fee, may be mailed to your local licensing authority.  Contact your local firearms licensing officer for additional information prior to submitting your renewal.

For Non-Resident Firearms License and Resident Alien Permit applications:

Your complete application package, including the fee, must be mailed to the Firearms Records Bureau at:

Department of Criminal Justice Information Services

Firearms Records Bureau

200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200

Chelsea, MA 02150

For Resident Firearms License applications:

Your complete application package, including fee, must be submitted to your local licensing authority.  Contact your local firearms licensing officer for additional information prior to submitting your application.

Next steps   for Apply for a firearms license

  1. Resident Firearms License Application Processing

    Your application will be processed by your local licensing authority. 

    Firearms license application processing includes a state and federal background check, a fingerprint based background check, and a check with the Department of Mental Health. 

    You will be notified by your local licensing authority when your firearms license application has been processed, either by telephone or by mail. You may need to pick up your firearms license in person.

    License processing may take up to 60 days.

    To learn how to check the status of your firearms license application, click here.

  2. Non-Resident Firearms License and Alien Permit Application Processing

    Your application will be processed by the Firearms Records Bureau. 

    Firearms license application processing includes a state and federal background check, a fingerprint based background check, and a check with the Department of Mental Health. 

    You will be notified by the Firearms Records Bureau when your firearms license application has been processed by mail. 

    License processing may take up to 90 days.

    To check the status of your non-resident firearms license or alien permit application, contact the Firearms Records Bureau directly at (617) 660-4782.

Contact   for Apply for a firearms license

Address
200 Arlington St., Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150
Fax
Fax (617) 884-4601

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